Sen. Dan Dockstader

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 99 designates the fourth Saturday in September each year as "Public Lands Day" to recognize the importance of public lands for the state's economy, open spaces, wildlife, and recreation. The bill requires the governor to issue a proclamation by September 1 each year encouraging public and school observances, though it does not mandate school closures or affect business operations. Public schools may hold appropriate events, but the designation has no impact on commercial agreements, court proceedings, or government office hours. This is a ceremonial observance with no new regulations or funding, effective July 1, 2019.

Maddy summarySF 161 amends Wyoming's legislative management council membership rules. It specifies that two senators and two representatives are selected at large by each chamber's party caucuses, with strict limits on party representation (no more than one from the same party as the chamber's presiding officer). The bill also establishes a two-year rotation of the council chairmanship between the House and Senate and clarifies that the council directs the legislature's day-to-day operations. This procedural bill affects only the internal organization of the Wyoming Legislature, not public policy.

Maddy summaryHB 134 requires Wyoming livestock brand owners to rerecord their brand every ten years. If a brand is not rerecorded by its expiration date, owners must pay a delinquent fee (capped at $150) within three years to avoid abandonment, and may use the brand for one livestock sale before paying. The bill mandates the Livestock Board to send multiple notices to owners about rerecording deadlines and abandonment timelines, including a notice at least six months before declaring a brand abandoned. This directly affects ranchers and livestock owners who register brands for their animals.

Maddy summaryHB 118 repeals Wyoming's state-administered family college savings program by removing the statutes (W.S. 4-10-912 and 21-16-809 through 21-16-818) that authorized the state treasurer to run it. This bill directly affects the state's ability to operate the program, eliminating the legal framework for its administration. The repeal takes effect July 1, 2019, ending the state's role in managing this specific savings initiative. No new program is created; the bill solely removes the existing authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Wyoming election code to clarify procedures for voters changing political party affiliation. It allows voters to change their party affiliation at the polls on election day (for general elections) or when requesting an absentee ballot, in addition to the existing 14-day advance filing requirement before primaries. The change must be noted on the poll list by election judges, but voters cannot switch parties between two weeks before absentee voting begins and primary election day. It directly affects Wyoming voters seeking to alter their party affiliation before casting a ballot. The bill took effect July 1, 2019.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most Wyoming Medicaid recipients to work, attend school, or volunteer for at least 20 hours per week to maintain eligibility, beginning three months after initial approval. Exceptions apply to children under 18, seniors 65+, pregnant individuals, caregivers of young children or disabled dependents, and those in treatment programs. Failure to comply results in a 12-month loss of Medicaid coverage, with verification required every six months. The bill also prohibits similar work requirements for SNAP (food assistance) and mandates that any federal savings from approved waivers fund child care for employed Medicaid recipients.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 100) clarifies which state firearms regulations apply by amending a definition in Wyoming law. It specifies that "this act" refers to specific sections (W.S. 6-8-401 through 6-8-406) governing weapons, resolving potential confusion about applicable rules. The change affects how existing firearms laws are interpreted but does not create new restrictions or allowances. The bill was introduced in 2019 and recommended for passage by the Judiciary Committee. It became effective immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 247 amends the state's broadband development program by updating the definition of "unserved area" to reflect current technology standards. It requires the Wyoming Business Council to revise the definition by July 2022, raising the minimum broadband speed thresholds from 25 Mbps download/1 Mbps upload to higher speeds appropriate for prevailing technology. This change directly affects which rural and underserved areas qualify for state broadband funding under the program. The bill modifies eligibility criteria through rulemaking authority rather than creating new funding or programs.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 175 revises the state's Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association Act to clarify coverage rules and financial responsibilities. It creates new definitions (like "covered policy" and "member insurer"), sets a $5 million annual premium cap for multiple non-group life insurance policies owned by one person, and updates eligibility requirements for policyholders based on residency and insurer domicile. The bill directly affects licensed insurers operating in Wyoming, policyholders with multiple high-value policies, and health maintenance organizations. Key changes include clearer limits on the association's financial obligations and revised procedures for assessing member insurers.

Maddy summaryWyoming's legislature passed a joint resolution (SJ 10) requesting Congress to change how federal lands are managed. It asks Congress to recognize Wyoming's input in decisions about using public lands for multiple purposes - including mining, recreation, and forest management - while ensuring environmental health. The resolution directs Wyoming state agencies to actively participate in federal land planning and provide comments on federal policies affecting land use. This is a procedural request, not a law, aiming to increase state influence over federal land management.